Spinning

A fast-paced aerobic group workout on a stationary spinning bike – the Tour de France in 45 minutes

By
Melissa Van Maasdyk
30 June 2009

What it is?A fast-paced aerobic group workout on a stationary spinning bike – the Tour de France in 45 minutes.

Where?Pineapple Spa.How it promises to transform your bodySpinning burns serious calories and makes your heart pump faster. It tones your quadriceps (front thigh muscles) and outer thighs requiring little coordination, and you are in control when it comes to your pace.

So what happens?Having picked a bike in the spinning room and adjusted its seat, I prepared to ascend mountains and sprint down hills with a slow-paced warm-up. The well chosen music offered a good mix, from energetic house to inspiring pop tunes, and the beat quickened as our instructor Eunice led us into the tightening of the gears: ‘Two turns tighter, now 10 spins up and 10 spins down… and again!’ Next, she had us standing up with our hips swinging over each side of the seat, the idea being to firm up the buttocks and hips. Relief came after 15 minutes when we slowed down and had a drink (a water bottle is an essential accessory). Then it was back up the hill again in another gruelling stint. After 45 minutes we were beetroot faced and sweating profusely, with hearts spinning too. Fortunately it was time for a 15-minute stretch session, which strung out our thighs, abs and hips, easing the tight knots in our muscles. And on completion we were handed icy cold hand towels.

The verdictIt was a fun, hyped, high-speed workout, enhanced by the music that certainly felt like it would have burnt the 400 calories suggested by the instructor.Pineapple Spa, Adliya, opposite Dessange (17 712 000). Spinning classes on Sat 2.30pm, Mon 8.30am, Tue 5.30pm, Thu 6.30pm. Classes cost BD4 for non-members and BD3 for members.